Where has the easily available kerosene disappeared? Now it is being used in this big sector, viral video

highlights

• return of kerosene oil Has started a new debate regarding energy market and rationing system.
• Between 2016 and 2021, the government gradually abolished kerosene subsidy.
• After the expansion of Ujjwala scheme and LPG, the domestic demand had reduced.
• Emergency decision taken in case LPG supply gets affected due to West Asia crisis in March 2026.
• Now a large part of kerosene is being used as jet fuel in the aviation sector.

changing energy policy and return of kerosene oil secret of

There was a time in India when blue colored kerosene oil was easily available at the grocery shops of every small and big village. For poor families, it was not just fuel but an important part of everyday life. From lighting lanterns to cooking on small stoves, this fuel served the needs of rural and low-income groups for decades.

But in the last few years this fuel suddenly almost disappeared from the market. People kept asking for kerosene at ration shops, but the shopkeepers had nothing to give.

now suddenly return of kerosene oil The news has started coming out. Its supply has been started again in limited quantities in many states. Why did this change happen? There is a deep connection behind this between energy crisis, government policy and global events.

When the government stopped the kerosene era

End of subsidy changed the whole game

There was a time when kerosene oil was available at very cheap prices under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India. Lakhs of families depended on it.

But after 2016, the government gradually decided to end the subsidy on this fuel. By 2021, kerosene subsidy was almost abolished in the budget.

There were several reasons behind this policy:

1. LPG promotion

Under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, crores of poor families were given LPG connections. Due to this, the need for kerosene at domestic level reduced rapidly.

2. Trying to reduce pollution

Burning of kerosene produces more smoke and pollution. Under the clean fuel policy, the government promoted LPG and electricity based appliances.

3. Economic burden of subsidy

The government had to spend heavily on kerosene subsidy every year. Therefore it was phased out.

Due to all these reasons many states kerosene-free Was declared and its supply through PDS stopped.

Big game of black market and diversion

Misuse was 40 to 45 percent

There was another major reason behind the change in kerosene policy—its massive diversion.

According to energy experts, the cheap kerosene available under PDS is almost 40 to 45 percent of the share went to the black market.

It was used in several illegal ways:

• selling mixed with diesel
• illegal consumption in industrial use
• adulteration in transportation fuel

This caused double loss to the government—on the one hand the burden of subsidy and on the other hand the disturbance in the energy market. Therefore policy makers decided to gradually remove kerosene from the distribution system.

why did it happen suddenly return of kerosene oil

West Asia crisis changed the equation

In March 2026, rising tensions in West Asia and war-like situations involving Iran affected global energy supplies.

India imports a major part of LPG. When international supply was affected, the availability of LPG in the country started decreasing. Long queues started forming for cylinders in many cities.

In this situation the government took a temporary step-return of kerosene oil.

Important decision of 29 March 2026

The central government issued a notification on March 29, 2026, allowing temporary restoration of PDS kerosene supply in 21 states and union territories.

These included:

• Uttar Pradesh
• Delhi
• Punjab
• Haryana
• Rajasthan
• and many other states

The government has almost 48,000 kiloliters of extra kerosene Allocated for next 60 days.

Kerosene can also be found at petrol pumps

To deal with the energy crisis, the government also made some changes in the distribution system.

Some petrol pumps were also allowed to sell kerosene in limited quantities. For this, temporary relaxation was given in the Petroleum Act and related rules so that the supply could reach the people faster.

However, officials clarified that Withdrawal of kerosene oil is not a permanent policy. This is a step taken only in emergency situations.

Where is the kerosene going now?

Aviation sector becomes the biggest consumer

Even after domestic use reduced, the use of kerosene oil did not end completely. In fact, a large portion of it is now going into a different industry altogether—aviation.

used in airplanes Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Actually it is highly purified kerosene.

Increasing demand for jet fuel

Air travel is increasing rapidly in India. Due to new airports, new airlines and increasing travel, the demand for jet fuel is continuously increasing.

Refineries are now producing aviation fuel in large quantities instead of making kerosene for domestic use.

That’s why experts say that return of kerosene oil Even though it may be visible temporarily, its real consumption is now taking place in the planes flying in the sky.

Government’s new strategy

Domestic supply secured by increasing tax on exports

Due to the rapid increase in demand for jet fuel in India, the government had increased the tax on export of aviation fuel some time ago.

meant to be:

• Domestic airlines can get sufficient fuel
• There should be no shortage in the domestic market due to international prices.
• energy security can be ensured

Experts believe that India’s aviation sector can become one of the largest markets in the world in the coming years.

What will be the impact on rural India?

relief for limited time

While on one hand the use of LPG and electricity based appliances has increased in cities, there is still a need for alternative fuels in rural and remote areas.

for such areas return of kerosene oil May prove to be a temporary relief.

However, the government’s long-term goal is still to promote clean fuels.

story of energy transition

India’s energy policy has changed rapidly in the last decade.

• Earlier kerosene and coal were the main fuels.
• Then came LPG and electricity based kitchen appliances
• Now solar and induction technology is increasing rapidly

amidst this change return of kerosene oil An interesting example is how global events and energy crises sometimes reactivate old systems.

Kerosene was once a lifeline for poor families. Due to government policies, clean fuel campaigns and technological changes, its domestic use almost ended.

But the global energy crisis has shown how sensitive the energy system is.

Today return of kerosene oil Even though it may be temporary, it has definitely reminded us how important energy security is for any country.

In the coming years, India will move towards clean and modern fuels, but the role of kerosene in history will probably never be forgotten.